Wennemars was in action against Ziwen in heat 11. The Dutchman was well on his way to posting a super time. But at the final crossover, the Chinese skater forgot that right-of-way applies. As Wennemars came out of the outer bend at high speed, he collided with his opponent from behind. Miraculously, the 23-year-old Dutchman stayed on his feet and impressively set the virtual fastest time.

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Re-skate without desired result

Afterward, Wennemars was visibly furious, partly taking it out on Ziwen by pushing the Chinese skater away. The organizers allowed the Dutchman to re-skate. He did so alone half an hour later. Wennemars was unable to improve his time, leaving him in fifth place. "I'm completely devastated. I'm sure I'll cry again, but I can't right now," he said in the mixed zone.

Reaction from Chinese skater who obstructed Wennemars

"The Chinese skater did come up to me to apologize, but that doesn't do me any good at all," Wennemars said. "My medal was taken from me. You win together, you lose alone. Everyone will forget about this soon, and Joep was fifth at the Games. That hurts me a lot."

Wennemars couldn't believe what happened at the crossover. "He knows I have the right of way, and I'm coming out of that bend with more speed. So that's my line, my crossover. The Chinese skater is just a supporting actor in this race, and he knows it himself at that moment. I think I even hit him twice. All I thought was to keep going, but it was already ruined."

Father Erben saw a dejected Joep Wennemars

Afterward, tears flowed freely, as observed by his father, Erben Wennemars. The skating icon joined the NOS to discuss his son's ordeal. "Joep is very tough and not one for emotions, but I just spoke to his mother, and he couldn't stop crying. It's very painful for me to see my son like this," Wennemars articulated. "He just said: I want to go home. That's not going to happen."